The Terrace at 5th's shades of green and white exude comfort, class and calm amidst the busy mall.

The newly-opened The Terrace at 5th sits serenely on the Greenbelt 5 ground floor strip and is a quiet and cozy respite from the bustling and busy mall. Still awaiting its future neighbors, Gaudi and Max Brenner, the alfresco dining area is in full view of a lush expanse of green which is a rarity in most Pinoy restos and is perfect for outside dining in balmy weather. You can spy the restaurant row of Greenbelt 3 across but the foliage and the plants offer privacy for Terrace diners. With a menu that boasts of "fine home cooking", here are a couple of things to know before dining at the Terrace: 1. Ching Cruz's Sole Meuniere and the Poulet Provencal. These are two of the most-ordered dishes on the menu but executive chef Cecille Ysmael, one of the seven owners of this new dining destination, proudly shared that their growing clientele keeps going back to order everything on the menu. The Provoleta con Chimichuri and Cynthia's Amazing Artichoke Dip are a favorite among those who don't skip on the appetizers. 2. Sofa seats. They are the best seats in the house so make a beeline for these cush and comfy couches when at the Terrace. 3. Merlot with the Prime Angus Porterhouse or the Rib Eye, Sauvignon Blanc especially Cloudy Bay with the Dunganese Steamed Crab, Seafood Platter or the Shrimp Cocktails and Port wine with the Panna Cotta or the Truffle Torte. These are the recommended wine pairings to best enjoy a Terrace meal. If champagne is your beverage of choice, their Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial is only P2,950 until the end of February, quite a steal for a bottle of the bubbly wine. 4. Call and reserve. The Terrace enjoys brisk business for both lunch and dinner on most weekdays and especially on weekends, so pick up that phone and reserve a table. Nothing ruins a meal than having to wait long just to be served. 5. Return it all, if you like. That is, if the food does not meet your tastebud standards. Cecille said that "Thankfully, so far, it hasn't happened yet. But we get a lot of requests for people wanting their steak more 'well done'." Call their attention and the Terrace staff will gladly go back to the kitchen and bring you back food that you think you deserve. The Terrace at the 5th is located at the Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center, Makati City with telephone numbers 729-6860 and 729-0860. They are open for lunch at 12 noon and dinner at 6 p.m. Text by Trixie Zabal. Images from The Terrace at the 5th.